Population 85: The Story of a Small town in Northern California

The small Tehama County resort town of Mineral, California, is more than just a "wide spot in the road." It's the gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park and various recreational activities in the nearby national forest. The southern entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park is only nine miles from Mineral. Lassen Peak was the only active volcano in the United States when it erupted in the spring of 1914. Congress designated it as a national park in 1916.

Mineral is located in Northern California approximately 100 miles south of the border with Oregon and 150 miles from the eastern border with Nevada. It sits in a lovely mountain meadow at an altitude of 4,950 feet. This pleasant meadow is ringed by mountains covered with evergreens.

Learn how Mineral grew from a small store in the 1800s into a full-fledged resort with cabins, motels, gift shop, restaurant, golf course, swimming pool, and ski run. Discover its earliest inhabitant, the Yahi Indians, and the first emigrant settlers as well as some of the colorful characters who later called Mineral their home.

Jo Ann Perkins grew up in Mineral where her parents owned and operated the Mineral Lodge for sixty years. She shares her memories in this delightful book.